The Expiration Date

The Expiration Date

Carol Condon

www.carolcondon.com

It is an overwhelming task to maintain the inventory of our home. The shopping list is added to weekly. Although I try very hard, many times I forget to buy a needed item and accidentally purchase something I already have. The extras are stored for whenever they will be needed.

One day I found myself in need of a bottle of Italian salad dressing. I knew I had some stored in the pantry. As I opened it, I noticed a strong, strange odor. I turned the bottle over and was shocked when I saw the expiration date. How could I have had this for so long and not used it? I got to thinking of all the other items in the pantry. How many more were expired? So, I took a few days and made it my mission to conduct an expiration date inspection. Was I ever shocked! I had a countertop full of expired items ranging from pain relievers and vitamins to canned goods and crackers.

My biggest shock came from an odor that I traced to our basement. We have an ancient refrigerator that we use to keep our extra cartons of milk and drinks in. There was a gallon of chocolate milk that one of the boys put in the door instead of on the center shelf. This gallon of milk sat forgotten. The carton had been opened and with each slam of the door drops of soured milk escaped spilling over time and gathering on the floor. My chore turned into quite an undertaking; however, I was so thankful to rid our home of these expired items. Many of them looked harmless but were unusable. The medicine bottles were no longer effective, the milk had curdled, the oil had turned rancid, the crackers were stale and the canned goods were no longer safe to use.

I got to thinking about life. How many items have been stored away forgotten and expired in the deep recesses of our lives? Hurt feelings, broken hearts, dashed dreams, failed relationships coupled with offenses and bitterness over unanswered prayers take up valuable space way past their expiration date. When was the last time that you conducted an expiration date inspection? Let’s commit our ways to Him.  In other words, entrust them to Him. We do not want to lose our effectiveness and become harmful to those around us. Take inventory today!

Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

Psalm 37:5

The Yellow Paintbrush

 

The Yellow Paintbrush

I knew if I didn’t turn around I would be disappointed in myself.  I really am not fond of losing time by back tracking; however, I was only a mile from my home.  So, I slipped into the next driveway and turned around.  I ran into the house, grabbed the forgotten item, and hurried back to my van. Once again I was heading in the direction that my schedule requested of me.

This little turn around urged me to drive at a speed that would keep me on schedule.  Therefore, I was shocked to see a truck behind me in the passing lane going full steam ahead.  I became quite concerned because now the single yellow stripe on the road had become two signaling the restriction to pass.  The hill we were driving up had started out at a small incline and visibility seemed good; however, now it was null and this truck was heading into an area unsafe for himself and the person coming toward him.

I was driving by myself so I had some quiet time to think.  I had always thought it was my decision if I chose to disregard the double lines and I alone would have to pay the consequences.  As my eyes were off of myself and onto someone else I realized that this is not true.  My decision to slip outside of the yellow lines would be my decision but it would not only affect me.  It could affect many.  Authorities have worked for the safety of all concerned to pick up the yellow paintbrush and give us all a warning due to the conditions of the area.

How often has God picked up His paintbrush adding a double line to our road signaling us to stay behind an obstruction even though the horizon seems perfectly clear and safe to pass?  Why would we be forced to stay behind an obstacle instead of passing it to take us where we envisioned we “should” be?  We ask Him to order our steps, but do we ask Him to order our stops as well? Our ambition to be where we think we should be, will not only affect us, but it will also affect those traveling with us.  As He dips His paintbrush into the yellow paint, He begins to alter our schedule because He knows the path we take.  Trust His guidance.

But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

Job 23:10 KJV

The Lost and Found

Lost and Found
Carol Condon
www.carolcondon.com

All the confusion and chaos may drive some to the brink of insanity but it brings a smile to my heart, which duplicates one to my face as well. When all six of us are together and are out celebrating some quality, family time it is loud, chaotic, and so satisfying. I sincerely love these moments in time.

Stories are being told with much passion and each storyteller gets louder and more passionate. Small breaths are taken so that there is not a big enough spot for an interruption by the next one with a story bursting to tell. These special moments are not about what type of restaurant we are at but the celebration is the fact that we are all together. Very seldom are we able to come in the same vehicle. So, following the meal complete mayhem takes place as everyone fights for who is riding with who and the mad dash to insure the front seat of the vehicle they chose.

It was following one of these precious outings that I followed my loud and lovely family to the car and headed home. The following day as I attempted to pay for my groceries I realized my credit card was never retrieved from the night before.

I made the call to the manager on duty and explained my dilemma. He asked me to meet him with my ID. I was shocked when I saw him bring a huge stack of unclaimed credit cards from the lost and found box. He went on to explain to me the variety of expensive items that he keeps locked in his office in case someone realizes where they lost their “valuables.”

I wonder how full the “Lost and Found” box is that our Lord keeps locked up with all the valuable items waiting to be claimed. We are given so many promises, answered prayers, callings, favor, and so much more but in the chaos of our own lives we set them down and they go unclaimed and in many cases are simply forgotten. He has gathered them up and is waiting on us to call Him and claim what is ours.

If we will begin a search of all that we lost, He will unlock the Lost and Found box and we will be reunited to our valuables. His gifts are with out repentance, in other words they are there waiting to be claimed. Begin your search today!


7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8 NIV

Do You Need Bifocals

Do You Need Bifocals
By Carol Condon
carolcondon.blogspot.com


Finally the day was winding to an end. My to do list was quite lengthy but with a bit of effort it slowly began to deplete. However, this was short lived as it once again began to grow as more and more things demanded my attention. I was more than ready to bid this day goodnight.

When the last dish was put away and the final load of laundry was tucked into the dryer I headed to say my goodnights to the children before crawling into bed myself. I picked up my book to get lost between the pages before settling into a peaceful night’s sleep. In confusion I kept moving my book back and forth looking for the right angle. Mark looked over at me and inquired as to what in the world I was doing. I handed him the book and asked him if he could read it. He looked at it and said, “Of course I can, why can’t you? After all, you are a teacher.” Why was I suddenly unable to read?

I had been too busy to read much lately, but why was every thing so blurry now and how did it happen so fast. Mark ineffectively tried to hold back his laughter as he asked, “Carol, do you need bifocals?” Surely not! My eyes were perfect, weren’t they? A quick visit to the eye doctor confirmed this as the doctor said, “Welcome to the 40’s club” in other words bifocal time.

Now a simple recipe could not be read and my own signature did not look legible. Everything seemed messed up. To my dismay, I headed to the local department store and purchased my first of many “reading glasses.” Suddenly, the unclear was replaced with clarity.

How often have we been caught in our regular activities of ministry and daily life only to find ourselves unable to read what was going on? Nothing seemed clear. Every situation took on a blurry appearance. Do we need “bifocals?” Is it time to schedule that Doctor’s visit to take all of our obscure situations and allow Him to define them for us? In other words, allow Him to prescribe what is needed to be able to see His path and walk in it with clarity and understanding.

Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
I Corinthians 13:12 NIV

The Pantry

The Pantry
By Carol Condon
carolcondon.blogspot.com

The list was filling up with all the “Hey, Mom, we need some more pop tarts” and “I’m out of shower gel.” Each one was taking their turn in filling up the shopping list, which eventually would fill up my shopping cart. As younger children their requests would be general. They would ask for fruit snacks, and I would pick up some for them. As the shopping bags were emptied and placed onto the proper shelves in the pantry they would become so excited when they saw the fruit snack box added to the weekly supplies. Presently, as growing teen-agers and young adults they will ask for fruit snacks, but not just any fruit snacks. They want the ones from Target. They quickly ask me if I know which ones they mean because they are their favorite. What is a Mom to do with that request? If I think hard enough I can come up with a reason to head to the local Target and fill this simple request.

The pantry is where our provisions are stored. When someone in our home is in need or in want of something they will go there and see what is available. Many times they do not know what they are looking for. All they do know is that they are looking for something and hopefully they will see something there that will fill their need or even their want.

How many times do we as Christian go to our Lord for a need or even a want? He has a “Pantry” stocked and ready for each one of us. All we have to do is go to His Word and anything and everything that we need is found there. If we need something specific then all we have to do is to simply ask and He will supply. As I pick up His Word I may not even know what I am looking for but as I enter His Pages I quickly find exactly what I need. Do you have time to search “His Pantry” today? He has already completed His shopping and is ready for you.

“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:19

The Waiting Room

The Waiting Room
Carol Condon
carolcondon.blogspot.com


It seemed quite typical for me that I was rushing around in an attempt to be prompt for my upcoming appointment. It didn’t matter how early I started my day I managed to get caught up in a task that had me scurrying to make my scheduled meeting. I rushed into the building and signed in for my appointment feeling quite accomplished that I made it on time. As I glanced around the room for a place to sit, I noticed that the room was already full of people patiently and impatiently waiting. How could we all be there at the same time for the same thing? The chance of me being called upon at the time I was scheduled for was not looking possible. I pulled out a magazine in an attempt to relax and settled in for what looked to be quite a wait.

Children were crying, cell phones were vibrating begging to be answered, text messages were being sent to alert the caller that their call could not be answered at this time. Normal activities seemed to be forced to a stop during this waiting process that seemingly did not have a way to be hurried along. The impatient ones would approach the receptionist asking, “how much longer?” but they were not getting the answer they were looking for. They were asked to take a seat and to simply wait their turn.

How many times have we been ushered into “The Waiting Room” when we feel completely prepared to march straight into our destiny? We pray and ask Him to order our steps and our stops; however, when He puts up the stop sign and directs us to the waiting room we are not always happy with the unexpected delay. It is not long before we begin asking, “How much longer?” We receive silence in return signaling us that we are to wait.

Once we put our own agendas aside and trust in Him completely, the waiting is not so difficult. Take a moment today to stop and simply rest in Him. He will encourage and strengthen you before sending you back on your way.

Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.
Psalm 27:14

The Crutch

The Crutch
Carol Condon
carolcondon.blogspot.com


The first day of summer camp was in full swing. Friends were reuniting after a long year absence. Dorms were being aired out and crammed full of all their favorite things. Electrical outlets were claimed for the coveted fans and if truly blessed an air conditioner was resting on the windowsill ready for the first musty blast of cooled air. The sun was shining brightly blanketing the campground with humid heat, but it was not hindering the students. Activity was everywhere; after all it was finally time for camp!

He was excited to be back with all his friends. It all started with a bottle of water and ended in a chase. He tried to catch himself but after a few failed attempts he fell bending his foot in an awkward position. He felt the snap in his toe and knew it was broken.

I received the call that Jared had been hurt and needed to go to the hospital to be checked out. Needless to say he was quite bummed. All the plans he had made for the long awaited week of summer camp had crumbled.

The doctor confirmed our suspicions. His large toe was broken. They wrapped his foot, handed him a pair of crutches and told him to stay off of the foot as much as possible.

Mark and I went out later that week to check on Jared. The service was going strong and Jared was keeping right up with everyone crutches and all. During the altar call the evangelist stepped forward and held up a set of crutches as praise erupted. When Mark and I walked toward the front we saw Jared beaming with excitement over his new testimony. His foot had been healed! He put the crutches away and walked forward into what became a monumental week for him.

We all have had those moments in our lives where we are going along enjoying life to it’s fullest. When seemingly out of the blue we stumble and fall. We find our plans altered. We are left in a crippled state and in need of a “crutch” to even hold us up. Do we lean on the crutch beyond the required time of healing? Is it easier to lean on the crutch instead of learning to walk forward into our future?

What we thought was going to ruin Jared’s week of camp actually became the thing that took him to a new level of faith in his walk with the Lord. Is there a set of crutches under your arms? In order to regain our strength we will have to set the crutches aside and learn to walk forward into the future He has made for us. The new level of faith may be just out of reach of the crutch you are leaning on.

1 Peter 5:10 (NIV)
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.